Large-diameter framed structure

ABSTRACT

A large-diameter structure of structural framing and side paneling is provided from the use of alternating tiers of two different types of framing sections. Each type section is of an A-frame form with a horizontal girder section adapted to have its ends linked to adjacent sections so as to form circular tiers; however, one type of section has a straight horizontal girder with mitered ends so as to form a resulting ring, while the second type of section has its horizontal girder section fabricated with a central bend at the zone of the apex of the Aframe member. Vertically, the A-frame sections in one tier are staggered with respect to those in a next adjacent tier.

, United States Patent [72] Inventor Frederic G. Lussky Northiield, Ill.

[21] Appl. No. 8,786

[22] Filed Feb. 5, 1970 [45] Patented Sept. 7, 1971 [731 Assignees Universal 0 Products Company Des Iluines, Ill.

[54] LARGE-DIAMETER FRAMED STRUCTURE 5 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 52/245, 52/28 A, 220/5 A 51 rm. (:1 E04gll/06 [50] Field of Search 52/245, 284, 236, 237; 220/5 A [5 6] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 1,190,507 7/1916 Bramer 52/245 3,316,682 5/1967 Natalis 52/245 X 3,418,778 12/1968 Foster 52/236X Primary Examiner- F rank L. Abbott Ava-[slant Examiner-$am l). Burke Allnmeys-James R. Hoatson, Jr. and Philip T. Liggett ABSTRACT: A large-diameter structure of structural framing and side paneling is provided from the use of alternating tiers of two different types of framing sections. Each type section is of an A-frame form with a horizontal girder section adapted to have its ends linked to adjacent sections so as to form circular tiers; however, one type of section has a straight horizontal girder with mitered ends so as to form a resulting ring, while the second type of section has its horizontal girder section fabricated with a central bend at the zone of the apex of the A- frame member. Vertically, the A-frame sections in one tier are staggered with respect to those in a next adjacent tier.

%B Sec/ions 4 Sections A-SacI/onsW I PATENIEU SEP 7 an sum 2 or 2 Figure 4 IN V EN TOR Fr eda/i0 G. Luss/ry B Section Figure 5 )7, z NEYS LARGE-DIAMETER FRAMED STRUCTURE The present invention relates to an improved and novel construction for a large diameter framed structure. More particularly, the invention provides a novel and rapid fabrication procedure which results in a large diameter stack or other similar structure.

Quite conventionally, large diameter stacks, storage bins or elevators and the like have been built as reinforced concrete structures. Also, large diameter, relatively high, draft inducing stacks for cooling towers have been built of reinforced concrete; however, where there is the need to have a stack which is greater than the order of 200 feet in diameter and more than 200 feet in height, then there is a hesitancy to try and build concrete to such heights and diameters. Actually, with formwork for large structures and with large heavy volumes of concrete, there is an inherent danger of form failure and resulting severe damage to property and persons.

Thus, it may be considered a principle object of the present invention to provide a simplified structural framing type of large diameter stack which embodies ease of fabrication and rapid erection.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a stack construction which makes use of a tier by tier type of erection as well as utilize shop and ground level fabrication procedures for large sections of the unit.

A still further object of the invention is the utilization of only two principal types of framing sections in alternating tiers. Each type is of an A-frame form and has intermediate tie means which is preferably usable for side panel attachment; however, one A-frame type has a straight horizontal girder member with mitered end portions while the other type has a bent girder member so as to provide a resulting closed ring tier in each instance.

Broadly, the present invention provides for the construction of a large diameter structure of structural framing and attached paneling, which comprises in combination, a plurality of alternating tiers of two different types of structural A-frame sections, a first type of section in one set of alternate tiers being comprised of: structural framing members joined into an A-frame arrangement with intermediate lateral tie means, and a straight lateral girder member extending each way from the apex portion of the A-frame members, and said girder member further having a miter in at least one end thereof to provide a predetermined obtuse angle upon connection with a next laterally adjacent girder section; a second type of structural A-frame section for use in the alternate tiers of the structure being comprised of: A-frame forming structural members, intermediate lateral tie means, and a bent lateral girder member which has end portions that extend each way from the apex portion of the A-frame members at an angle with respect to each other and to provide a predetermined obtuse angle equivalent to that between next adjacent girder members for said first type of structural A-frame sections, means for connecting adjacent structural framing sections within each tier and between each superposed tier, and panel-form covering means attached to resulting erected tiers of structural framing sections to thereby provide a large stack-type structure.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for constructing a large-diameter stack type of structural unit which comprises the steps of: (a) fabricating and assembling a multiplicity of first type A-frame sections that each have a straight horizontal girder member that extends two ways from the apex zone at the A-frame members of the section and, further, fabricating a predetermined miter in at least one end of each girder of each section to provide an obtuse angle upon connection with a next adjacent section, (b) fabricating and assembling a multiplicity of a second type of A-frame sections that each have a bent horizontal girder member which has its lateral portions extending each way from the apex portion of the A-frame members at an angle with respect to each other to provide a predetermined obtuse angle which is equivalent to that between next adjacent girder members for said first type of A-frame sections, (c) erecting and connecting a tier of one type of A-frame sections to form an interconnected and closed ring of such sections, (d) erecting a tier of the other type of A- frame sections on said first tier in a manner where such sections are staggered with respect to one another vertically, and providing interconnection of adjacent sections to those that are side by side and therebelow, (e) continuing the lifting and connecting of A-frame sections into successive and alternating tiers of the two types of such A-frame sections to complete an elevated and large diameter structure of framing sections, and (f) attaching paneling to at least one face of said large-diameter structure to provide a wall for a resulting stack type of structural unit.

Generally, a large stack or tower utilizing the present system of construction will make use of relatively large latticed type beam and girder members so as to provide strong steel framing sections while at the same time keeping the weight of each structural member to the minimum. In other words, each leg at the A-frame members will comprise a latticed beam or girder section which, in turn, may be formed from standard structural angle members, combination of ts and angles, or other conveniently and properly sized structural steel shapes. The width of the leg portions and of the horizontal girder member for each A-frame section will generally be determined by the overall size of the stack structure and the required width of the wall to provide the needed stability. Actually, the length of the individual members and/or the resulting height and width of each A-frame section to form an individual tier may be determined by shipping and handling requirements, although the resulting weight of the preassembled A-frame section may also be a determining factor.

Various means may be used to provide an intermediate cross tie for holding the A-frame leg portions in an assembled position in addition to a top gusset plate at the apex of the A- frame section. For example, in one desired form of construction, a frame or rectangular shape will be utilized to span across the mid portion of the A-frame section and for the full height thereof, with such rectangular frame being sized to be suitable for holding vertical will paneling.

in order to minimize cost and to provide a rapid erection of the entire stack-type unit, it is contemplated that the various A-frame leg sections and the horizontal girder members will each be shop fabricated and shop assembled in an accurate manner utilizing assembly fixtures or jigs. In addition, the present improved construction system will also make use of an assembly fixture or jig apparatus at the job sight to provide for the rapid and accurate assembly of the multiplicity of shopfabricated leg sections and horizontal girder section. In other words, a suitable frame of the nature of a large jig, will be provided to insure the proper angular relationship between the leg members of each A-frame section as they are welded or otherwise attached to gusset plate means at the apex juncture and, further, the assembly fixture will insure the proper placement and attachment of a rectangular frame section or intermediate tie member, along the sides of the A-frame leg members. Still further, there is the need to have accurate lateral positioning and attachment of the horizontal girder member which extends across the A-frame section at the apex portion thereof.

Reference to the accompanying drawing and the following description thereof will serve to more clearly set forth the present improved type of structural framing system which forms a resulting diameter and high stack-type structure.

The drawing will also assist in setting forth an improved system for erecting a large structure of this type.

FIG. 1 of the drawing is a diagrammatic elevational view indicating tiers of A and 8" types of A-frame sections to from interconnecting rings or tiers of such sections up to a desired predetermined height. 7

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional plan view, as indicated by the line 2 -2, showing the use of interconnected straight horizontal girder members with mitered ends so as to provide a resulting closed ring tier.

, FIG. 3 is a partial sectional plan view, an indicated by. the line 3-3, showing the use of interconnected sections that have bent girder members which, in turn, result in a closed ring tier of A-frame sections.

FIG. 4 is an isometric type view showing diagrammatically an A-frame section of type A, with a straight horizontal girder member having mitered ends.

FIG. is a partial sectional view through the lower portion of the A-frame section of FIG. 4, showing that each leg section is at right angles with respect to the vertical panel section.

FIG. 6 is an isometric type view showing diagrammatically the construction of a B" type A-frame section, with a bent horizontal top girder member.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional plan view through the lower portion of the A-frame section showing that the vertical leg portions of the A-frame are at right angles with respect to superposed portions of the girder member and not at a right angle with respect to the plane of the vertical framing section for the wall paneling.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawing, it will be noted that alternate tiers of A-frame sections A and B may be erected to provide the desired closed cylindrical form stack structure by virtue to each of the A type A-frame sections having mitered end portions at an angle 0 whereby the interconnection of two adjacent girders of two adjacent A- frame sections will form an obtuse angle of l8020. Also, as will be seen from FIG. 3 of the drawing, there are B-type A- frame sections each of which have a centrally bent girder member which, in turn, provides an obtuse angle of l8026. Thus, the end portions of each girder member will have a straight right angle abutment with the next adjacent girder member. It will be further noted with respect to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 that the B-type A-frame sections are superposed over a tier of A-type sections in a staggered manner such that the apex portions of one tier of sections will have an upwardly extended gusset plate available to provide the connection means for the lower leg portions of such next upper tier of A-frame sections and, in addition, such that the intermediate bent portion of the horizontal girder of a B-type section will be superposed over the juncture of adjoining mitered end portions of next adjacent A-type A-frame sections that are in a tier therebelow.

The angle 0, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawing, will, of course, depend on the number of A-frame sections being utilized within each tier of the structure; and there, of course, shall be the same number of A-frame sections in an A-tier as there are in a B-tier. The present drawing indicates diagrammatically the use of 18 A-frame sections in each tier so that the angle 0 is equal to however, generally, in a large diameter stack which may be 200 feet or more in diameter, there will be used up to the order of 24 to 30 or more A-frame sections in each tier so that the angle 0 will be something less than 10".

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawing, there is shown diagrammatically an A-type A-frame section which is assembled primarily from fabricated leg members 1 and 1', top girder 7 and frame 6. The legs may be fabricated from suitable structural shapes such as t-members 2 and interconnecting angle members 3 and 4, or from other conveniently sized shapes so as to form a suitable and properly sized type of latticed beam member. In the present embodiment, the latticed beam members 1 and 1' are assembled in an A-frame form with a top connection by upper gusset plate means 5 and by an intermediate connection from the rectangular frame means 6. It is noted hereinbefore that a suitable assembly fixture or jig should be used to insure the accurate final assembly of each A-frame section, whereby the final bolting or welding between members 1 and 1, 6, 7 and gusset plate means 5 will result in a fixed dimension A-frame structure capable of being lifted and handled by suitable derrick means into its final positioning in a given tier. In other words, the assembly fixture will insure that each A-frame section has a proper height and width to a close tolerance, whereby resulting heights will be quite accurate and the spread between the lower ends of the leg sections 1 and 1 will be provided to a predetermined distance that is twice L, as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawing.

Across the top of each A-type A-frame section, there will be, as shown, the straight girder member 7 which, like the leg members, will generally be of a latticed type using t-members 8 and 8' for the outer chords and interconnecting angles or other suitable lacing members 9 to insure structural strength and rigidity. For at least one end of each of the girder members 7, there will, however, be provided angle members It) that will provide for a mitered end having an angle 0. The lateral girder member 7 should, of course, be positioned symmetrically such that each end portion projects an equal distance from the gusset plate members 15 or from the apex juncture of the leg frame members 1 and 1. Preferably the end mitering for the horizontal girder member 7 will be such that each end has angle 0 with respect to a line normal to the two chord sections 8 and 8. However, as an optional construction, there may be a right angle end for one end portion of the girder 7 and a miter equal to 20 at the opposing end such that the interconnection between adjacent A-frame sections at the ends of the girder members will still provide an obtuse angle between A-frame sections which is equal to l2 6.

With respect to gusset plates, 5, each plate should have a portion extending above the level of horizontal girder 7 in order to provide an attachment means for the lower ends of leg members of A-frame sections for a next higher tier of sections.

Also in accordance with the preferred embodiment, each A- frame section will have an intermediate panel framing 6 useful for tying the girder and leg members to one another in a fixed relationship as well as provide a relatively rigid and encompassing frame suitable for will paneling sections 11 which will fit into the interior or frame 6. The latter is indicated diagrammatically as being constructed of peripheral side channel members 12 and top and bottom channel members 13 together with crossbars or other structural members 14 which are suitable to serve as stiffeners or girts for the attachment of the wall paneling 11. Where structurally convenient, or desired, H-beams or other shapes may be used in lieu of the channels for the panel frame 6. The paneling 11 may be made of one large sheet to fit a relatively small frame 6, although, on the other hand, where A-frame sections may be of the order of 24 feet high and 24 feet wide, with panel framing 6 being of the order of 12 feet by 24 feet, then the paneling I 1 may comprise a plurality of l2-foot-long panel sections that are overlapped vertically as well as horizontally.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawing, there is shown diagrammatically the construction and arrangement of a B-type A-frame section which will use members of the same general construction of that of the A-type sections except for the design and arrangement of the upper horizontal girder member and the nonparallel placement of the side or leg members 15 and 15. The leg members 15 and 15' will generally be fabricated from tee or angle members 16 and interconnected with a lattice of angle members 17 as well as by end members 18 so as to form the desired-width latticed-type beams which will be of strong line weight construction. However, as best shown in FIG. 7, the leg members 15 and 15' will be positioned at an angle 0 with respect to a line normal to the plane of the central will panel framing section 19 or, stated another way, the ends of each leg member 15 and 15' will lie in a plane which is parallel to the respective ends of the superposed horizontal girder member 20.

As indicated, the horizontal girder member 20 for the B- type of A-frame section will have a bend line at the center (in alignment with the apex of the assembled A-frame leg members l5 and IS) with such central bend of the girder member 20 being such as to provide symmetrically projecting end portions forming an internal obtuse angle at the gusset plates 21 which is equal to l8020. In effecting the assembly of the B- type A-frame section, there should again be utilized an assembly fixture or jig which will insure the accurate positioning and interconnection of each portion of the A-frame section so that there is a resulting strong and accurate assembly that can be handled and lifted for the ultimate assembly of the various tiers of sections, as best shown in FIG. 1. Also, each of the B- type sections will preferably be provided with an upwardly extending portion to gusset plate 21 at the apex of the leg members l5 and which will encompass the bent portion of girder member and extend thereabove to be used for the lower ends of leg members from a next higher tier of A-type sections. Thus, each gusset plate 21 will be bent along its vertical center line so as to properly engage the outer faces of the bent girder member 20 as will as the upper ends of leg members 1s and 15'.

The girder member 20 may be constructed from various types of structural shapes although, generally, it will comprise T-members or angles for the outer chords 22 and a plurality of diagonally positioned angle members 23 for interconnecting latticing. Also, at each end there will be suitable angle members 24 which will be used for an abutting interconnections to next adjacent horizontal girder members.

The rectangular panel framing 19 may be made in a manner similar to the frame 6 of FIG. 4 and will preferably extend from the top to the bottom of the A-frame section so as to be used for holding wall paneling 25. Thus, framing 19 may comprise side channels 26 and upper and lower channels 27, together with lateral girt members 28. Where desired, the frame 19 may be fabricated from H-beams, angles or other structural shapes. It may be further noted with respect to the present construction that each side framing panel 19, like panel 6 in FIG. 4, will be approximately one-half the width of each A-frame section such that after the erection of any given tier of A-frame sections there may be intermediate panels filled in between panels 19 or 6, which will be of an equivalent size to the latter and will hold additional wall paneling or siding in the same manner of that which is attached to the interior of each panel for each A frame section.

As best shown in FIG. 7, each panel 19 will be positioned in a plane normal to the center line of the bent girder member 20 so that a line which is 90 with respect to the plan of the framing 19 will provide an angle 6 with respect to the 'end of a side leg member 15 and 15 and with respect to the appropriate end portions of the girder member 20. Also, it will be seen that there will be a space between the top member 27 of panel frame 19 and the interior angle provided by the bend in the girder member 20 so that the frame 19 will only have its outer edges adjacent to the outer face of member 22 of girder 20 and the sides of leg 15 and 15'. However, where desired, there may be intermediate fillers and connectors for stiffening purposes placed between mid portions of the framing l9 and the top girder 20.

In effecting the erection of a preassembled B-type section, it will be noted upon reference to FIG. 1 of the drawing, that when B-sections are positioned in a tier above a tier of A-type sections then the lower ends of the angularly positioned leg members 15 and 15 will come to rest within the confines of gusset members 5 which extend upwardly form the apex portions of next adjacent A-type sections. Thus, upon the proper alignment of each B-type section in its respective tier, there should be the bolting, welding or other fixed-type connecting means for providing the interconnection of members adjacent the gusset plates. Although not shown, after an erection of each A-frame section, there can be the interconnection of each end of a panel section, such as 6 or 19, with a next lower and adjacent horizontal girder member so as to provide rigidity and interconnection of all of the wall framing portions of each section. In subsequent operations, as additional panel sections, equivalent to 6 or 19, are lifted into place between those sections 6 or 10 in any one tier of A-frame sections, there should by the interconnection of laterally adjacent panel sections and the addition of wall panels.

Again, with reference to FIG. 1, it will be seen that largediameter structures of almost any desired height may be erected following the scheme of the present invention and that all fabrication and assembling can be accomplished in an optimum manner between shop fabrication and job site or ground level fabrication and/or assembly of members into A- frame sections. The only completion of the assembly work in the stack structure is the erection of intermediate panel frames and the wall paneling itself between erected A-frame sections in each tier. It may also be pointed out that while the present diagrammatic drawings indicate the wall paneling to be along the interior face of the large stack structure, that it is obviously quite possible to have the paneling be attached to a resulting outer face for each framing section, whereby the wall paneling provides an exterior surface rather than an interior facing. Still further, paneling may be provided on both the interior and exterior faces and the exterior material may be the same or different from that utilized along the interior face.

FIGS. 4 and 6 indicate the paneling 11 and 25 to be of corrugated material; however, it is not intended to limit the improved construction system to be used with any one type of paneling or in connection with any one type of material. In other words, paneling may comprise flat sections or corrugated sections and may be made of metal, plastic, fiber glass, etc. Generally, paneling will be of a corrugated nature because of the added strength provided from the corrugated design.

Still further, it is not intended to limit the framing or fabrication of individual portions of sections to the shapes shown in the drawing, inasmuch as other suitable structural shapes can be substituted to suit a preferred connection or other fabrication consideration. For example, I-I-beams or Z-bars may be used instead of channels or, alternatively, a particular T- member, channel or I-I-beam may be built up from angle members.

I claim as my invention:

1. A large diameter structure of structural framing and attached paneling, which comprises in combination, a plurality of alternating tiers of two different types of structural A-frame sections, a first type of section in one set of alternate tiers being comprised of structural framing leg members joined into an A-frame arrangement with intermediate lateral tie means, and a straight lateral girder member extending each way from the apex portion of the A-frame members, and said girder member further having a miter in at least one end thereof to provide a predetermined obtuse angle upon connection with a next laterally adjacent girder section, a second type of structural A-frame section for use in the alternate tiers of the structure being comprised of A-frame forming structural leg members, intermediate lateral tie means, and a bent lateral girder member which has end portions that extend each way from the apex portion of the A-frame members at an angle with respect to each other and to provide a predetermined obtuse angle equivalent to that between next adjacent girder members for said first type of structural A-frame sections, means for connecting adjacent structural framing sections within each tier and between each superposed tier, and panel-form covering means attached to resulting erected tiers of structural framing sections to thereby provide a large stack-type structure.

2. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that the A-frame structural members and the lateral girder members are of an open latticed construction to provide width with a minimum of weight.

3. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that the intermediate tie means for each A-frame section comprises a rectangular form of frame extended for substantially the full height of each A-frame section and for approximately one-half the'width thereof suitable for holding a panel form of wall covering.

4. The structure of claim 3 still further characterized in that said rectangular form panel framing has suitable cross girt means for stiffening and for holding a plurality of sheets of wall paneling.

5. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that the straight lateral girder member for said first type of A-frame section has a miter angle 0 at each end thereof so that upon the connection of the end of one girder with the end of a next adjacent girder member there will be provided an interior obtuse angle equal to 18026 while said bent lateral girder 

1. A large diameter structure of structural framing and attached paneling, which comprises in combination, a plurality of alternating tiers of two different types of structural A-frame sections, a first type of section in one set of alternate tiers being comprised of structural framing leg members joined into an A-frame arrangement with intermediate lateral tie means, and a straight lateral girder member extending each way from the apex portion of the A-frame members, and said girder member further having a miter in at least one end thereof to provide a predetermined obtuse angle upon connection with a next laterally adjacent girder section, a second type of structural A-frame section for use in the alternate tiers of the structure being comprised of A-frame forming structural leg members, intermediate lateral tie means, and a bent lateral girder member which has end portions that extend each way from the apex portion of the Aframe members at an angle with respect to each other and to provide a predetermined obtuse angle equivalent to that between next adjacent girder members for said first type of structural Aframe sections, means for connecting adjacent structural framing sections within each tier and between each superposed tier, and panel-form covering means attached to resulting erected tiers of structural framing sections to thereby provide a large stack-type structure.
 2. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that the A-frame structural members and the lateral girder members are of an open latticed construction to provide width with a minimum of weight.
 3. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that the intermediate tie means for each A-frame section comprises a rectangular form of frame extended for substantially the full height of each A-frame section and for approximately one-half the width thereof suitable for holding a panel form of wall covering.
 4. The structure of claim 3 still further characterized in that said rectangular form panel framing has suitable cross girt means for stiffening and for holding a plurality of sheets of wall paneling.
 5. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that the straight lateral girder member for said first type of A-frame section has a miter angle theta at each end thereof so that upon the connection of the end of one girder with the end of a next adjacent girder member there will be provided an interior obtuse angle equal to 180*-2 theta while said bent lateral girder member for the second type of A-type section will have an interior obtuse angle equal to 180*-2 theta . 